Karl Goodhouse, 57, President of Clark Brands LLC, enjoyed gardening and the arts

Karl Goodhouse, 57, President of Clark Brands LLC, enjoyed gardening and the arts

Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012 10:00 PM

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Karl Edmund Goodhouse, 57, died at his Oak Park home on March 27, 2012. He had suffered over the past year from glioblastoma brain cancer. Born on March 6, 1955 in Torrington, Conn., to Gloria M. Goodhouse and the late Carl J. Goodhouse, he was an honors graduate of Davidson College in North Carolina, where he served as president of the Student Union, carrying out the responsibilities of coordinating and publicizing cultural programs at the college. He attended college in the South so he could play golf year-round, but during his four years at Davidson he stayed so involved in campus activities, he rarely found time to play even one round.

Mr. Goodhouse's professional career began as assistant public service and information officer for Mecklenburg County Government in Charlotte, N.C., and later was named editor of the Mecklenburg County Outlook Newsletter. He gravitated toward new interests and found himself in a business he dearly loved, the petroleum industry. As president of Clark Brands LLC and a man of integrity and character, he adopted the motto of a longtime friend and business associate: "One important measure of a man is: Did we leave a footprint? Did we help others? Did we make a difference?"

Dedicated and passionate about his work, he built a successful business with his co-workers. But his passions extended beyond work to his love of music, gardening, the arts, writing, golf and reading. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He had a love of poetry and an eye for pottery. He frequently would say to his wife, "I love you from here to the moon and the stars and back again," and to his family and friends he would say, "Have I told you how much I love you?" or "Do you know how much I love you?" He will never be forgotten and will surely be missed.

Karl Goodhouse is survived by his wife, Cynthia; his daughter, Bridgette Mann; his grandson, Dustin; his great-granddaughter, Faith; his brother, Robert C. (Margaret) Goodhouse; his nephews, Andrew (Karl's godson) and Alex (and their mother, Nancy A. Goodhouse); Oreo, the family cat; and numerous family members and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 4 at Cheney Mansion, 220 N. Euclid Ave in Oak Park.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to www.pawschicago.org or the charity of your choice.